Adopting a SaaS development service can accelerate your processes, ease workflows, and allow you to adapt to changing situations and demands. Picking the right platform can save you time and money, and give you a leg up against your competitors. 

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What SaaS development services include, why they matter, and some industry examples

• Benefits

• Steps to develop a Saas app

• Choosing the right SaaS platform

• Why Blaze.tech is an ideal no-code SaaS platform for app development 

Now, let’s define SaaS development. 

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What Are SaaS Development Services?

SaaS, or software as a service, is a platform or application you log into and use over the internet. SaaS development services are tools for building, deploying, and maintaining software applications hosted in the cloud. 

By “hosted in the cloud,” we mean the SaaS development tools and services you’ll use are stored in remote servers far away. You don’t download any development tools or software to your computer. Instead, you’ll work on your SaaS application in real-time. 

SaaS development services come in a few different flavors and can include the following: 

Service #1: Custom SaaS Application Development

Custom SaaS application development lets you create your own apps or software specifically tailored to meet unique business needs. These SaaS platforms are either no-code, which nearly anyone can use, or low-code, which requires a little bit of technical knowledge. 

You’ll be able to build several apps that you can fully customize to your needs and tastes. These apps can function by optimizing your business’s workflows, bolstering customer service, organizing your operations, and more. 

These custom-crafted tools ultimately help you achieve specific strategic objectives through quick deployment while benefiting from the reduced costs because you don’t need to pay developers to create your applications. 

Examples include no-code app development platforms like Blaze for enterprise web apps, or GoodBarber for native mobile apps and low-code platforms like FlutterFlow or Draftbit. 

Service #2: API Development and Integration 

This involves creating application programming interfaces (APIs), tools that allow SaaS applications to communicate effectively with other software, transfer data or trigger specific automations. In short, APIs enable several programs to work together in tandem, so you don’t have to bounce from application to application. 

APIs also facilitate the expansion of SaaS functionalities without compromising the software’s core stability and performance. Integrating APIs reinforces a positive user experience by broadening service offerings and ensuring that SaaS platforms can easily adapt to new technologies and evolving business requirements.

Examples of API development SaaS include tools like Zapier and Make, tools that can connect, transfer data from, and set up triggers for 1,000s of applications. 

Service #3: Multi-tenant Architecture Development 

Multi-tenant (users) architecture development involves leveraging a single software program that serves multiple customers or tenants. This architecture allows for cost-effective scalability as all users share the same underlying infrastructure, while data isolation techniques ensure that everyone’s data remains private and secure. 

This approach has several benefits: It significantly lowers maintenance costs, allows quick adoption and deployment, and simplifies updates and upgrades. You’ll be able to customize a few aspects of your architecture, but you won’t get as much free-form design freedom as a no-code or low-code app builder. 

Examples of multi-tenant architecture include Salesforce, a SaaS that’s prepackaged as a one-size-fits-all solution for CRM.  

Service #4: Cloud Infrastructure Management 

This service lets you deploy, monitor, and maintain your cloud space hosting your SaaS applications. It ensures that the underlying infrastructure remains robust, secure, and capable of handling expected load and data security requirements. 

You’ll be able to manage, customize, and optimize your cloud space, including servers, storage, and networking resources, to ensure all your SaaS applications run smoothly. This helps reduce downtime and improve the overall user experience, which is critical for maintaining customer satisfaction and trust in SaaS offerings.

Examples of cloud infrastructure management SaaS include Amazon Web Services (AWS) Management Console and the Cisco CloudCenter Suite.    

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Key Benefits of SaaS Development

Investing in SaaS development services offers 3 main advantages:

• Rapid prototyping and iteration: Because of its underlying architecture’s simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t rely on coding, you can quickly build and test various features or aspects of your software application, making it possible to experiment with ideas. You’ll be able to rapidly discover what works and then deploy your solution, aiming for instant results. 

• Cost savings on development resources: By developing your application on cloud infrastructure, you won’t have to shop for, purchase, and maintain your own servers. You’ll also save money on energy bills.

• Seamless integrations with APIs and databases: Reputable SaaS providers allow you to connect effortlessly with various external services and data sources, bolstering functionality and strengthening the user experience. For instance, you’ll be able to connect a payment gateway, email service, and CRM tool, allowing you to send automatic email notifications to clients after they pay while updating their payment status in your CRM program. 

SaaS Development Drawbacks

Unfortunately, SaaS development isn’t all cake and ice cream. Here are a few of the drawbacks that come with SaaS development:

• Scalability concerns: If you’re rapidly scaling your app, you could encounter some strong headwinds if you’re doing so on a SaaS platform — this includes creating an app with a no-code or low-code tool or managing your own cloud infrastructure. 
  
  To avoid this, ensure that your cloud provider can meet your user needs before you begin scaling. If you plan on scaling your no-code or low-code app, try using a SaaS platform like Blaze, which provides tremendous customer support for scalability and deployment. 

• Limited customization: Many SaaS providers, especially those that offer multi-tenant services, let you only go as far as to create cookie-cutter SaaS apps. While you’ll be able to get your app up and running in sometimes just a few minutes, you won’t be able to plug in customized features unique to your app that you would have been able to apply if you developed your app using traditional coding. 

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SaaS App Development 101: A Crash Guide

Now that we’ve examined the different types of SaaS and their benefits and drawbacks let’s quickly review the steps for creating an application using SaaS app development services.

Here’s a rough guide to get you started:

Step 1: Define Your Requirements 

Grab a pencil and some paper, and start thinking about the SaaS application you’re aiming to build. Think about the problems your application will solve and who will use your app. 

Detail the functional requirements, which are the tasks your app will execute, and other requirements, such as HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and security requirements you might need. 

Establishing a clear set of requirements helps ensure that your final product stays consistent with your original ideas and, more importantly, accomplishes the tasks you need it to.

Step 2: Choose the Right Platform

Your platform of choice depends on the type of SaaS application you’re aiming to develop. For instance, if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all platform for CRM or project management, check out tools like Trello or HubSpot.

Want more design freedom to create a more customized app or website for your enterprise? Check out a no-code platform like Blaze, which is intuitive enough for nearly anyone to use but provides the automation and integration capabilities to accelerate your business processes.

Step 3: Develop and Test Your App

Once you’ve picked your platform, it’s time to let your creative juices flow and start building your app. With your notes by your side, you’ll use a drag-and-drop editor to create your app bit by bit. Most no-code platforms let you pick a template, and then you just customize your app’s structure and layout, so it’s aligned with your tastes and brand. 

After you’ve created your app, allow a few folks on your team to test it. Ensure they provide feedback about where you can improve and implement those improvements.

After updating your app, repeat your testing process so your app gradually improves. Do this a few more times until you’ve ironed out all the issues, and your test subjects can use your app error-free.   

Step 4: Deploy and Scale

Now that your app is essentially error-free, it’s time to deploy and scale it. Initially, launch your application with only the core functionalities. This ensures that fixing inevitable problems won’t cause too many headaches. Once issues have been solved, slowly iterate and implement new features. 

This approach allows you to fine-tune your application based on user interactions without getting overly bogged down with too many features to optimize all at once. While this method may seem more time-consuming, it will make the deployment and scaling process less painful. 

How Long Does It Take To Develop a SaaS Application?

The development time for a SaaS application can vary widely depending on several key factors, including the platform used for development, the application's complexity, and the specific requirements and integrations involved. 

Generally, a simple multi-tenant SaaS application can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to set up and deploy. Creating software using a no-code or low-code platform can take as little as a few days to over 6 months to develop and launch.

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Which Industries Are Leveraging SaaS Application Development?

SaaS application development is firmly rooted in most businesses’ operations: In 2024, over 80% of companies used a SaaS application, while 88% used cloud services. SaaS is here to stay, folks. 

Here are several industries that extensively leverage SaaS applications to sharpen and streamline their operations:

Healthcare

Healthcare businesses increasingly leverage SaaS applications to streamline operations, improve patient care, and solidify data management. By adopting SaaS solutions, healthcare providers can access sophisticated tools without needing heavy upfront investments in IT infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.

For healthcare providers that store and handle sensitive patient data, picking a HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 2 compliant healthcare SaaS platform like Blaze is essential. Compliance with these standards ensures that client data stays safe and secure.  

An example of healthcare SaaS in action is MJ Medical Billing, which used Blaze to develop a CRM for insurance verification and claim tracking. 

Finance

Finance businesses increasingly leverage SaaS to streamline operations and improve client services. SaaS platforms also facilitate real-time data analytics and financial reporting. 

These systems integrate seamlessly with existing databases and applications, improving data accuracy and the speed of financial processes like reconciliation, budgeting, and financial reporting.

QuickBooks is a classic example of a financial SaaS tool. It automates all your booking processes, generates financial reports, and can even take care of your invoicing needs. 

E-commerce

Several e-commerce companies heavily rely on SaaS platforms for crucial operations. First, SaaS programs allow customers to shop online and purchase products and facilities through a website or a web app and an integration with a payment platform like Stripe. 

Yet, SaaS platforms for e-commerce functionalities extend beyond shopping and payments. For instance, good e-commerce SaaS tools also allow for integrations with delivery and order-tracking platforms. 

Currently, Shopify is one of the leaders in e-commerce SaaS as the platform provides everything you need, like an online storefront, payment integrations, cloud hosting, and many more services. 

Education

Schools, universities, and private educational institutions implement SaaS's flexibility to manage administrative tasks and academic functions.

With an education SaaS platform, you can facilitate the creation, management, and distribution of course materials and allow for online teaching, thus broadening access to education. 

You’ll also be able to track student progress for quick grading, and you can foster interaction about specific topics and assignments through forums and real-time chat options.

Today, several institutions use Coursera, an online learning SaaS platform, to offer a wide range of courses, specializations, and even degrees across various subjects. The platform features courses taught by renowned professors and industry leaders, enabling learners to listen to lectures, review study notes, take quizzes, and interact with other students. 

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How to Choose the Right SaaS Development Tool 

Let’s now discuss what you should consider when narrowing down your options when looking for your SaaS platform of choice. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

• The SaaS application’s track record: You’ll want to choose a platform that’s been around the SaaS block a few times and has a few applications. Picking a battle-tested SaaS development platform could mean fewer issues and hurdles along the way. 

• Technical expertise: Now, it’s time to talk about you — how much technical expertise do you have? If you’re a complete beginner, you’ll want to go with a no-code platform for customization or a multi-tenant one for quick and easy deployment. 
  
  Low-code platforms are an excellent option if you know a few coding commands and can explain how APIs work. These app development platforms usually provide high levels of customization, provided that you’re tech-savvy.

• Your budget: Last but definitely not least is the money factor. Before you start shopping for your SaaS platform of choice, you should clearly know how much you want to spend. Most SaaS development services for individuals and small businesses cost around $50/month, providing basic design features and modest scalability, while SaaS pricing for medium organizations and up can run in the low $100s/month.
  
  ‍Pricing for enterprise SaaS is a completely different ballgame: Some of the more modestly priced platforms begin in the low $1,000s, while enterprise SaaS for behemoth multinationals can exceed $10,000s/month (pocket change for some of these organizations). 

Shortlist the companies that catch your eye. Most SaaS development companies provide a demo, a free version, or a free trial, so we suggest you test the ones that make your shortlist. Then, base your decision on the SaaS platform that feels right for you. Best of luck. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does SaaS Development Cost?

SaaS development costs depend on a few factors, like complexity, scale, maintenance, and more. Costs can vary greatly — for smaller applications, you can pay under $50/month, but larger enterprise-level SaaS apps can exceed $100,000. 

What Is Multi-Tenancy in SaaS?

This is where many different users log into the same platform, yet their individual data is stored securely. Examples of this are Instagram and LinkedIn.

What Support Is Required for SaaS Maintenance?

SaaS maintenance requires continuous support to ensure optimal performance and security. This includes regular software updates and patches to address vulnerabilities, improve features, and provide a sound user experience. Technical support is crucial for resolving user issues and maintaining uptime. Monitoring service depends on the platform you use — some platforms, like Blaze, will closely and adeptly monitor your app, while others might only provide routine maintenance.  

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See How Blaze Simplifies SaaS Application Development

Looking for a SaaS application development service that’s easy enough for non-technical users yet provides enough power to create a customized and highly functional enterprise app? Go with Blaze. 

Here are some reasons why we love Blaze: 

• No-code simplicity: Blaze features a simple drag-and-drop no-code interface that provides tons of premade features and elements for rapid app development. 

• A super helpful support team: Blaze’s friendly staff will ensure you’re comfortable with the platform before you start building your app — they’ll even help you publish it and ensure it continues to run. 

• Security and compliance: Blaze provides audit logs, single-sign-on, HIPAA, and SOC 2 compliance, so you won’t have to worry about bad actors accessing your data. 

Create your own tailor-made SaaS application with Blaze — Schedule a Free Demo Today.